WASHINGTON (February 11, 2011) – The Howard University Chapter of the Society of Women Engineers will host “Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day” for D.C.-area middle and high schools girls on Friday, Feb. 18, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., in the School of Engineering’s Downing Hall Auditorium, 2600 Sixth Street, NW.

The day will begin with a networking breakfast and meet-and-greet for the girls. Dr. Paula Whetsel-Ribeau, First Lady of Howard University, will give the welcoming remarks. Other attendees include the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) members, Howard students, women faculty in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) as well as industry professionals.

The day features an array of workshops and hands-on engineering and STEM learning experiences designed to inspire, encourage and enhance interest in STEM. The participants will also get a tour of laboratories and see cutting-edge research projects underway in the College of Engineering, Architecture and Computer Sciences.

“Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day” is a nation-wide initiative of the National Engineers Week Foundation. It was established to address the severe underrepresentation of women in the engineering profession.

It endeavors to challenge those factors that influence girls and young women to lose interest in subjects and fields of study leading to engineering careers long before they enter college. The Foundation strives to reach young girls in grades K-12 with positive messages about STEM careers in ways that capture the imagination, are engaging and inspiring.

The Society of Women Engineers is an educational and service organization. It is the driving force that establishes engineering as a highly desirable career aspiration for women.  SWE empowers women to succeed and advance in those aspirations and be recognized for their life-changing achievements as engineers and leaders. It aims to stimulate women to achieve full potential in careers as engineers and leaders; expand the image of the engineering profession as a positive force in improving the quality of life; and demonstrate the value of diversity.

For more information, contact Cimoya Collins, president, Howard University Society of Women Engineers, at ccollins87@hotmail.com or Dr. Sonya T. Smith, professor of Mechanical Engineering and faculty advisor, at ssmith@howard.edu.